Leave a Legacy

Join the Samuel F.B. Morse Society

Make a difference in the life and future of the National Academy of Design by making a planned gift, and joining the Samuel F.B. Morse Society. Named for the Academy’s founder and first president, Samuel F.B. Morse, the society is comprised of members committed to supporting the Academy’s financial well-being for generations to come.

The National Academy has evolved and thrived throughout its 193-year history, thanks in large part to the generosity of its Morse Society members.

Join our distinguished group of benefactors by making your own planned gift today. For more information, please contact Maura Reilly, Executive Director at mreilly@nationalacademy.org.

Make a Gift:

Include a Bequest to the Academy in your Will

A bequest made under your will is often the simplest way to make a meaningful gift to the National Academy of Design. You may write a new will or simply add a codicil to your existing will. Bequests may come in any form – cash, securities, and other personal property. Your charitable bequest is 100 percent deductible for estate tax purposes.

Name the Academy as a Beneficiary of your IRA or Retirement Plan

When you name children or other non-charitable heirs (other than your spouse) as beneficiaries of your retirement plan, they receive only a small fraction of the plan’s face value, since inherited assets of retirement plans are subject to both estate taxes and income taxes. You may wish to designate the National Academy as the beneficiary of all or part of your retirement plan assets and set aside other assets for family and friends. As a tax-exempt organization, the National Academy will generally receive the full amount of the plan’s value.

Donate a Paid-Up Life Insurance Policy for the Current Tax Savings

You may name the National Academy as a beneficiary of all or part of a new or existing life insurance policy. Depending on the type of policy donated, you may receive an immediate tax deduction and be able to deduct any future premium payments on the policy.

For information on all giving and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Pamela Poland, Director of Development by phone 212.369.4880 or email ppoland@nationalacademy.org.